Gingerbread houses delightfully sprinkle magic on childhood Christmas memories. From mixing the dough and baking the cookies to piping the icing and adorning the houses with candy jewels, this joyful activity dances hand in hand with winter festivities. Now, gingerbread has transformed into a delightful and permanent part of holiday decor repertoire.
A charming wave of gingerbread-inspired treasures dotted the showrooms at Atlanta Market this January. Adorable gingerbread ornaments, enchanting figurines, and more creations were noticeable across campus. But this isn’t just a contemporary trend—gingerbread has woven itself into the very fabric of Christmas cheer, bringing wistfulness into homes for more than 500 years.
Gingerbread has been twinkling in Christmas traditions since the 16th century. After The Brothers Grimm published "Hansel and Gretl," Germans baked and decorated gingerbread houses, while in England, Queen Elizabeth I decorated gingerbread cookies to resemble royal guests. These edible decorations soon populated Christmas markets across Europe and warmed hearts and homes of all people.
Today, both professional and amateur designers spice up their holiday scenery with permanent festive figures. Beautiful porcelain and shimmering glass now capture the nostalgic spirit of gingerbread cookies in a delightful array of holiday shapes—gingerbread people, twinkling stars, frosty snowflakes and more!
The charm of gingerbread decor lies in its versatility, fitting seamlessly into styles ranging from traditional to modern. The permanent pieces add a whimsical accent for any festive theme. Atlanta Market brands showcase an array of gingerbread designs and finishes for any setting.
Dangle gingerbread ornaments from your Christmas tree and they’ll sing melodious notes of joy amidst burlap and red-and-white themes.
Craft a garland with gingerbread shapes or hang these playful creations along an evergreen garland or wreath.
Create a charming gingerbread house village on your table or mantel. A mix of enchanting houses, people and other figures capture the essence of holiday spirit.
Set your table with gingerbread-themed plates, napkins, and tablecloths that add a touch of magic over your festive feast.
What was now a perishable baked good is now a durable holiday ornament. Ceramic gingerbread figurines spread holiday cheer and nostalgia with more elegance and versatility than the cookies that inspired them. The rich history of gingerbread can be an enduring Christmas tradition highlight and bring joy each year during the holiday season.